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She said she contacted Tewkesbury Borough Council last year as her conditions got worse who referred her to Gloucestershire County Council and it was only in October last year that she was seen for a physical assessment.

Bettine Symons.

Her physical assessment was then allegedly cut short and not completed for two weeks as her assessor went on holiday.

Mrs Symons been seen again since then but allegedly been told that before a care package can be agreed she needs to wait for physiotherapy - something she says will do her no good.

She is now appealing to Gloucestershire County Council - which runs adults social care - to give her the 24/7 care that she feels she needs.

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"I need the help immediately," she said. "I'm entitled to that help. I want them to do their job - not just take the payment from me to do their job.

"Their job is to find someone who I can rely on - who can be here for longer than I an afford. I need someone to be there that can take their arm and go to the bathroom every hour.

Bettine Symons.

She said it is sheer luck that she's not broken any major bones by falling on the floor.

"I'm at risk of falling any time I'm on a hard floor."

"I cannot make a cup of tea without pain, awful pain.

"I need 24 hour care or supervision. The system is wrong - there are too many delays."

Dawn Porter, head of service for integrated adult social care at Gloucestershire County Council, said: “The county council works to make sure those who need it have access to the right level of care, and we work with specially trained NHS therapists to help prioritise people who are at greatest risk.

“Our staff have been looking after Mrs Symons since 2013, and she also receives a direct payment from us, in respect of her wishes to appoint a private provider. A review of her care is currently being carried out to make sure she’s receiving the right support.”